VW 2013 Jetta hybrid ready for the roads

Nino Marchetti EarthTechling , 11th October 2012

The vehicle, which we first covered earlier this year during the Detroit Auto Show, is notable for the fact it is the most fuel efficient Jetta option in VW’s line up with and estimated combined fuel economy of 45 miles per gallon.

Pricing for the Jetta Hybrid starts at around $25,000, and has three higher trim level offerings, with the top SEL Premium pricing at $31,180. This offering from VW is said to be the world’s first hybrid to use a seven speed, dual clutch automatic transmission and has some decent driving specifications. These include a 0-60 mph time of less than 9.0 seconds and the ability to be driven in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 44 mph and for a distance of up to 1.2 miles, depending on operating conditions.

The hybrid is powered by what VW says is an all-new, high-tech, 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI engine mated to a zero-emissions electric motor. It has a combined output of 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and will go on sale in the last quarter of this year.

VW, in making available the four trim levels of the Jetta Hybrid, has interestingly made the most basic level something folks can get on order only. It has an array of your standard feature offerings for a basic trim, including power and heated exterior mirrors, six-way manually adjustable front seats, Bluetooth and more.

By comparison, the SEL Premium has all the bells and whistles, including keyless access with push-button start, a touchscreen radio with color energy flow display in the center console, satellite radio, heated front seats, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and a rearview camera.

Does the fact the Jetta has gone hybrid excite you? Or do you think the cost is too much for the green technology versus the regular Jetta offerings? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.